Arts

Forget fireworks—Fayetteville’s summer starts with art

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

For many, summer kicks off with sunny beach days, backyard barbecues, and the crackle of fireworks. But at the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, the real start of the season is marked by something a little more creative—the annual PWC Public Works Exhibit. Now celebrating its 20th year, Public Works is a beloved, community-wide art exhibit presented by the Arts Council and sponsored by the Fayetteville Public Works Commission. Running from June 6 to July 6, the exhibit transforms the gallery into a vibrant showcase of local talent, open to artists of all ages.
“It’s one of the few exhibits where children can share wall space with professional artists,” says Carly Cox, Communications and Outreach Assistant, who’s been with the Arts Council for nearly six years. She’s seen firsthand how powerful that experience can be—her own daughter, Eisley, once had a piece selected that ended up hanging in a downtown business.
“It was a huge confidence boost for her,” Cox says.
Barbara Hayes, the front desk receptionist, sees that excitement daily. “You can feel the pride radiating off the artists and their families,” she says. “It’s really inspiring—even for me as an observer.”
The exhibit isn’t just a gallery stroll—it’s a celebration of community. The opening reception kicks things off on June 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music by local performer Michael Daughtry. Throughout the month, visitors can vote for their favorite piece in the People’s Choice contest. The winning artist will be spotlighted on the Arts Council’s social media and take home a prize basket. Voting runs from June 6 to June 26, with winners revealed on June 27, aligning with the Cool Spring Downtown District’s Fourth Friday festivities. That evening, the celebration continues with interactive experiences inside and outside the gallery. Inside, PWC’s Field Crew and Watersheds team will offer fun, educational displays on local environmental efforts. Outside, expect toe-tapping performances by the Fayetteville Ukulele Club and the opportunity to snap a selfie with Art, the PWC Public Works mascot.
The community aspect of the show is important to curator Beverly Henderson. Henderson has participated in Public Works as an assistant curator and exhibiting artist, and she will be curating the show this year.
“The PWC exhibition holds a special place in my heart. I sold my first painting at the first PWC exhibit I entered,” she said.
But to Henderson, Public Works isn’t just about the joy and pride the artists experience. She hopes that viewers see the gallery with a mind towards inclusion and the necessity of community art.
“My hope is that visitors will see the potential in the works of young and upcoming artists, the mastery in the works of experienced artists, and understand that art is an essential component of life,” she said.
PWC Public Works Exhibit comes at the close of the fiscal year and a season of exhibits programmed by the Arts Council. The year ends with a focus on community, art, and engagement. From first-time artists proudly seeing their work in a gallery to seasoned creatives connecting with new audiences, Public Works invites everyone to be part of something meaningful.